Job Description
Senior Buyer - Global Specialist Manufacturer | £ | Hybrid nr Milton Keynes | Permanent
This is a rare chance to join a genuinely exciting, high-growth global business at a pivotal point in its development. Our client is a specialist manufacturer operating in a complex, fast-moving international environment — supplying into some of the world's most demanding industries and growing rapidly as a result.
As Senior Buyer, you will be a key part of a close-knit purchasing team, working directly with the Purchasing Manager and taking real ownership of your supplier base. This is a hands-on, high-pace role — not a strategic or category management position. You will be in the detail every day: managing purchase orders, driving supplier performance, resolving issues and keeping the operation moving.
What You'll Be Doing:
Supplier & Supply Chain Management
* Negotiate prices, terms and service level agreements to ensure the operations team can deliver to customers within expected lead times
Day-to-Day Buying & Order Management
* Issue purchase orders to suppliers and provide all necessary documentation for custom materials
ERP, Data & Reporting
* Review and maintain SAP master data to ensure accuracy at all times
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Engineering and Operations teams to arrange timely supply of approved materials
What They're Looking For:
Essential
* Minimum three years' experience in a buying or purchasing role
* Hands-on experience using an ERP or MRP system (SAP strongly preferred — other systems considered if you can demonstrate ability to adapt quickly)
* Broad end-to-end supply chain and operations knowledge
* Experience managing international suppliers
* Strong interpersonal skills — comfortable communicating across all levels, from the shop floor to senior leadership
* Able to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
* Ability to work with minimal supervision and take ownership of problems through to resolution
* Willingness to travel occasionally as required
Desirable
* CIPS qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) — Level 3 minimum
* Direct SAP experience (MM module or equivalent)
* Exposure to Engineering Change Order (ECO) or Engineering Change Note (ECN) processes
* Experience in a regulated or quality-driven manufacturing environment
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
All applications treated in strict confidence. The client name and full location will be shared with suitable candidates at telephone screening stage.